Xxiv. to William Livingstone
Christ's early conquest of the speaker's young love and the importance of humility, thankfulness, and prayer in maintaining a strong spiritual life.
Samuel Rutherford preaches about the importance of surrendering to Christ at a young age, warning against the devil's schemes to dwell in the hearts of the youth through pride, luxury, lust, and other sins. He emphasizes the need for prayer, vigilance over youthful sins, and allowing Christ to rule over one's life completely. Rutherford shares his personal experience of surrendering to Christ, reigning over his crosses, and defying temptations, declaring victory through God's grace and feasting in His presence.
Text
Probably one of his Anwoth parishioners.
MY VERY DEAR BROTHER, -- I rejoice to hear that Christ has run away with
your young love, and that ye are so early in the morning matched with
such a Lord; for a young man is often a dressed lodging for the devil
to dwell in. Be humble and thankful for grace; and weigh it not so much
by weight, as if it be true. Christ will not cast water on your smoking
coal; He never yet put out a dim candle that was lighted at the Sun of
Righteousness. I recommend to you prayer and watching over the sins of
your youth; for I know that missive letters go between the devil and
young blood. Satan has a friend at court in the heart of youth; and
there pride, luxury, lust, revenge, forgetfulness of God, are hired as
his agents. Happy is your soul if Christ man the house, and take the
keys Himself, and command all, as it suiteth Him full well to rule
wherever He is. Keep Christ, and entertain Him well. Cherish His grace;
blow upon your own coal; and let Him tutor you.
Now for myself: know that I am fully agreed with my Lord. Christ has
put the Father and me into each other's arms. Many a sweet bargain He
made before, and He has made this among the rest. I reign as king over
my crosses. I will not flatter a temptation, nor give the devil a good
word: I defy hell's iron gates. God has passed over my quarreling of
Him at my entry here, and now He feedeth and feasteth with me.
Praise, praise with me; and let us exalt His name together.
Your brother in Christ.
ABERDEEN, March 13, 1637
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Christ's early conquest of the speaker's young love
- Importance of humility and thankfulness for God's grace
Key Quotes
“Christ will not cast water on your smoking coal; He never yet put out a dim candle that was lighted at the Sun of Righteousness.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Happy is your soul if Christ man the house, and take the keys Himself, and command all, as it suiteth Him full well to rule wherever He is.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Pray and watch over the sins of your youth to avoid Satan's influence.
- Cherish God's grace and let Him tutor you in spiritual matters.
- Keep Christ in your life by blowing on your own spiritual coal and letting Him rule over your heart and life.